The remote village that has become a winter tourist attraction

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It’s hard to believe that Xuexiang, known as "China Snow Town," was once a poor, isolated hamlet. Located some six hours’ drive from Harbin, northeast China’s most populous city, the picturesque snow-covered village of Xuexiang has become an international sensation and one of the hottest tourist destinations in China. So, what happened?

Humble Beginnings

Puffy snow blankets the village of Xuexiang. /VCG Photo

Surrounded by forests, Xuexiang was once home to just 80 households. Like other villages in the region, most of its residents worked in the logging industry.

Winters were especially tough, lasting up to seven months, with thick snow making it difficult to get around. Reindeers were frequently used as beasts of burden in order to transport timber and supplies.

Because it was so isolated, Xuexiang was among the poorest villages in the region. However, there was a silver lining.

Picture Perfect

A traditional "mukelong" log cabin. /VCG Photo

Though the area enjoys warm currents from the Sea of Japan, it's also buffeted by cold fronts from Lake Baikal in Russia. The resulting sticky snow ends up accumulating on roofs, trees and just about everywhere because of a lack of wind.

Since Xuexiang doesn't get much sun, the snow just freezes and continues to pile up, giving the village its iconic look.

The village became an overnight sensation after some amateur photographers won an award for their pictures of the hard-packed snow.

It would go on to be used as a filming location for a number of high-profile films and television shows such as “Where Are We Going, Dad?” a hit reality TV show featuring celebrity dads traveling with their children.

Red lanterns light up the streets in Xuexiang. /VCG Photo

These days, the 2-meter-thick snow that once plagued Xuexiang has become its greatest selling point, helping to bring in millions in tourist revenue.

With many locals having turned their homes into guesthouses, there's no doubt that the residents of Xuexiang now look forward to the long winter.